Draw Near – 365 Guides to Greater Intimacy with GodSample

LITTLE NAPOLEON

General George B. McClellan became "the goat" of the Civil War. This was largely because of his personal attitude. The press began calling him "Little Napoleon" because he habitually struck Napoleonic poses for reporters and photographers. He seemed to lack any show of humility, referring to the army as "my army" and "my soldiers." He often took Commander-in-Chief Abraham Lincoln to task, assuming he knew more than the President. Before long, he was dismissed in disgrace.

A wise leader is truly humble. He knows that victory depends not on his own strength but on that of God and others. Asa, a good king, had lived long and served God. When his kingdom was threatened by Zerah, Asa wisely talked to God first about the problem and victory was gained (2 Chronicles 14:9-15). Asa understood that as long as God was with him, no man could prevail.

In our effort to teach our children self-sufficiency, we often overdo it. The wise person recognizes the battles of life will never be won by his own powers, but by wisdom and guidance from Christ. A wise man goes through life not referring to "my armies" but giving credit to Christ through Whom we have peace and accomplishment. Dependence on Christ is not a sign of weakness but of strength.